Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMightyM
Six quick thoughts:
1. The ACO and FIA WEC essentially told manufacturers to go big (technology and budget) or go home. Now that three of the manufacturers involved have decided to go home, the question is what comes next. And let’s not forget, that the WEC is a championship designed to meet the wants and needs of manufacturers.
2. The ACO and WEC will continue to want to attract manufacturers to LMP1. Recognizable brand names drives media attention and turnstile numbers, especially at races after the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This is in large part about saving the WEC.
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All of these are good but too much to respond to in detail in one post.
Basically, the WEC needs factory teams to sustain its global schedule. Astronomical costs didn't attract factories (hard to believe, eh?) and politics annoyed factories.
And yes, privateers might not be good enough to make the show.
But ... we almost saw all the factory cars bite the dust at Le Mans. And Audi can testify that having seven factory cars in a race can mean that one might win ... but the rest might or might not finish (thinking of the exploding Peugeot year.)
I would hope that with no factory teams, some of the privateers might attract some sponsorship ... after all, who would sponsor a P1-L Knowing it wasn't going to see the podium unless the media was dominated by the story of factory failures, in which case the podium still doesn't provide exposure?
Possibly they privateers could get some dollars if they had a decent chance to win. As it is, P1-L is a joke class.
The question is, what do the factories want? Do they want P1 at all? is there anything that can make P1 attractive? I am pretty sure it is not the proposed 2020 rules.
Even if WEC cut back to six races ... can it support a top class that will attract factories? And without factories ... can it generate enough interest and enough income to even exist? or will it become a glorified ELMS?